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I have a (single-disk) DS112j. The disk is failing. Rather than replacing the disk I'm going to replace the NAS with a 2-bay model.

I'm considering the DS216s, but I also see there's a cheaper DS216j, but then again I might upgrade a little further to something like a DS216.

My question is, how do I know how much punch I'm getting for my pound (a.k.a. bang for my buck)?

Is there a (CPU) speed/capability comparison table, for instance? Our DS112j was never capable of running Media Centre for videos, for instance.

We'll mainly be using it for storing and working with photos and storing/playing music, and general files (homework, etc.). However, I know wifey is interested in us using it with a security camera or two, but obviously I don't want to over-stretch the unit!

I would recommend you avoid J models. Truth be told J model nowadays and the ones from 2012 are worlds apart, but still. Get the best model you can for the budget you can afford.

Personally I would go for a + model. More future proof, more room to grow (upgradable ram) and has support for some packages that other models just can't use. That will give you option to install some apps/services that atm you thing you won't use.

If + model is not something you wanna invest in, then get 218j that was just released.

The obvious question from that is, why? What is it about the J models that's significant?

1. The deeper you go with your NAS usage - the more processor power you will utilise,2. You will avoid the periods when due to 100% CPU (e.g. full media indexing) utilisation you won't be able to sign on via web-interface,3. Sooner or later you will realise that transcoding feature is more than helpful for playing back non-standard audio/video formats (for you media player/TV/whatever else),4. Some useful packages are not available for "J"-models5. Sooner or later you will come to Docker or VMM,6. Sooner or later you will consider memory upgrade due to 4.7. etc, etc, etc ...

Rusty1281 wrote:Not sure from who do you expect an answer. You have read all the post in this topic?

I never really expect an answer, more hope for an answer.

I was just wondering what it was about J models that made them something you recommended against, that's all. I was comparing the ds216j against the ds216se, and noticed that the J has a dual-core CPU whereas the SE is single-core, and double the RAM.

Anyway, I'm now considering spending a little more and getting either the DS216 (for £448.98) or perhaps the DS216Play (for £419.95), so I guess this is kind of a moot point (am assuming the DS216 alone is significantly better than the DS216J and therefore worth the extra price).

Well Polant answered almost the same as I would. J models nowdays are great, sure, but in the long run if you start looking into more services you might hit a wall considering there are some limitations due the lack of support for certain platforms/formats etc...

On the J front, would a new released 218j be a better model for you then 216j or SE?

jpjeffery wrote:... Anyway, I'm now considering spending a little more and getting either the DS216 (for £448.98) or perhaps the DS216Play (for £419.95), so I guess this is kind of a moot point (am assuming the DS216 alone is significantly better than the DS216J and therefore worth the extra price).

The difference between DS216 and DS218+ is only 40 euro or less. Don't you think it would be better to invest a little more money in a model that has just been released instead of some 2-3 year old unit...You can even start with one HDD and add the second one later when you have the budget.

vassil_bk wrote:The difference between DS216 and DS218+ is only 40 euro or less. Don't you think it would be better to invest a little more money in a model that has just been released instead of some 2-3 year old unit...You can even start with one HDD and add the second one later when you have the budget.

You were right, it was a difference of about £40, so a DS218+ is on its way, due Saturday.